World Map by Blaeu (c1662)

This map is the spectacular frontispiece of the great cartographic work of the 17th Century, Joan Bleau’s Grand Atlas. Galileo overlooks the Western Hemisphere, the teacher of Joan Bleau’s father is depicted on the right, various classical deities recline on the clouds and the Seasons are symbolized in figures across the bottom of the map.
On the west of North America is the mysterious ‘Island’ of California.